Disciples take God’s Word seriously, being generous with their God-given treasures
In many places, Jesus warns His disciples about the unhealthy attraction of worldly treasures, be it money, assets, pleasures, etc. (see Matthew 6 and Luke 8).
One phrase of Jesus that captures the heart of the matter is this, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). As a way to combat the impact of worldly treasures, he then encourages His followers to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” often recognized as (1) fellow people and (2) the things we do for them in the name of Jesus.
Clearly God treasures people – and they will be present in heaven. This week we focus on being generous for the sake of the kingdom by investing in people. Here is our identity-in-Christ statement:
• Because I am already rich in Christ, I am willing to be generous with worldly treasures to bless others whom God treasures.
2 Corinthians 8:1-12
The Collection for the Lord’s People
For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one doesn’t have.
~ Apostle Paul
2 Corinthians 8:12
8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
10 And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
Pondering Point
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-12 (or even the whole chapter). A lesson to keep in mind when it comes to being generous is NOT to get caught up measuring treasure-gifting against someone else’s giving. There is a much better comparison to be made.
A measuring stick the Apostle Paul uses points toward the relationship between how much you have been given by God and how much you are giving out of that. Using the language from 2 Corinthians 8:12, your gift finds acceptance with God based on what you have, not what you don’t have.
Paul had encouraged them earlier to set aside a portion of their income weekly in order to be generous when the need arose. On one hand, a person ought not feel bad for a small gift when it’s proportionate to their income. On the other hand, a person ought not feel virtuous about a large gift that is still disproportionately small to their level of income.
Prayer for the Day
Father God, may my heart treasure You above all things, and may any earthly treasures I have be used to honor You generously. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.